Cameron, Samantha Jane

Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk This document may be reproduced in whole or in part for non-commercial educational purposes, provided that the information quoted is reproduced without adaptation and the source and date of publication are stated. Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY303531 Inspection date 21/04/2009 Inspector Alison Weaver

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Type of setting Childminder This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Introduction

This inspection was carried out by Ofsted under Sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 on the quality and standards of the registered early years provision. ‘Early years provision’ refers to provision regulated by Ofsted for children from birth to 31 August following their fifth birthday (the early years age group). The registered person must ensure that this provision complies with the statutory framework for children’s learning, development and welfare, known as the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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Introduction

The provider must provide a copy of this report to all parents with children at the setting where reasonably practicable. The provider must provide a copy of the report to any other person who asks for one, but may charge a fee for this service (The Childcare (Inspection) Regulations 2008 regulations 9 and 10).

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Introduction

The setting also makes provision for children older than the early years age group which is registered on the voluntary and/or compulsory part(s) of the Childcare Register. This report does not include an evaluation of that provision, but a comment about compliance with the requirements of the Childcare Register is included in Annex B. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Description of the childminding

The childminder has been registered since 2005. She has a recognised childcare qualification. The childminder regularly works with an assistant. She lives with her partner and one child aged five years. They live in a bungalow in Hailsham near to schools, shops and parks. The majority of the property is used for childminding including a bedroom, dining room and lounge. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder has three rabbits.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children under eight years at any one time when working alone, of whom no more than two may be in the early years age range. She is currently minding three children in this age group. She also offers care to children aged over five years to 11 years. When working with an assistant she is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years. This provision is registered by Ofsted on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder attends local carer and toddler groups on a regular basis.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good. In general, children’s individual welfare and learning needs are met well. The childminder ensures that she adapts activities to meet the needs of individual children so that they all make good progress. Good links are formed with parents but these are currently less focused on children’s learning and development. The childminder shows a commitment to improving outcomes for children through ongoing evaluation of her childcare practices.

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further?

To further improve the early years provision the registered person should:

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further?

 develop opportunities for parents and other providers to share information and contribute to children's learning and development  take further steps to promote children's health and physical well-being by improving handwashing procedures.

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further?

To fully meet the specific requirements of the EYFS, the registered person must:

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further?

 obtain the required information from every parent with regard to health, diet and contacts and written parental permission for the seeking of any emergency medical advice or treatment (Safeguarding and promoting children's welfare). 24/04/2009 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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provision

The childminder shows she has a good knowledge and understanding of safeguarding children. Children play in a secure and safe environment where risks are minimised effectively. The required records are in place for all children apart from the newest child. All other documentation to support the care of the children and meet regulations is in place and well maintained. The childminder has a range of helpful policies that she shares with parents. She gives them information about the Early Years Foundation Stage and keeps them informed about the activities she is doing with the children through her newsletters. They get regular verbal and written feedback about their child’s day. The childminder has not yet formed links with other providers who share the care of children with her to enable them to work together to ensure that children are making good progress towards the early learning goals.

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provision

The childminder has started to evaluate her practices and makes good use of questionnaires with parents to get their suggestions as to how she can improve what she offers. Overall, she has a realistic view of her strengths and weaknesses. She attends training to develop her own skills and knowledge so that she can continually improve her childcare provision.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder creates a very welcoming environment by attractively displaying children’s art work outside the front door. Children’s sense of belonging and independence is promoted as they have low coat pegs where they can put their coats. Some of the indoor environment is also decorated with children’s pictures and a variety of interesting posters. There is a good range of safe and suitable activities and resources that children can access.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder gets to know the children well and takes into account their interests and abilities when providing activities. She regularly observes and assesses their progress towards the early learning goals, although the learning story sheet is not as effective as there is less clear evidence to back her judgement of the child’s stage of development. She uses the records to identify the next steps for individual children and plan further activities that extend their learning. The childminder has not fully developed ways in which parents can contribute to the children’s assessment process.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are very happy, confident and settled. They build good relationships with each other and with the childminder. They play well together and learn to share resources. Overall, appropriate strategies are in place to help them develop an understanding of the impact their behaviour has on others. Children have fun playing in the garden with a wide variety of equipment including using bowls of water and spades to make puddles in the soil. They have opportunities to grow flowers, herbs and grass ‘heads’. Children explore the natural world as they go on outings to the woods and the Cuckoo Trail. They find out about other people and countries through a variety of activities. As children play, the childminder provides This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 good support and promotes their language. She encourages them to talk about what they see and to count. Children enjoy finding out about changes as they mix

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

colours with paint and do cooking activities.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Overall, children’s health is promoted well although the procedures for hand washing are slightly less effective. They eat healthily and have easy access to drinks. They enjoy plenty of fresh air and exercise. Children’s awareness of how to keep themselves safe is developing well as they regularly practise emergency evacuation and learn how to cross roads. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

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Annex A: record of inspection judgements

Grade 1 is Outstanding: this aspect of the provision is of exceptionally high quality Grade 2 is Good: this aspect of the provision is strong Grade 3 is Satisfactory: this aspect of the provision is sound Grade 4 is Inadequate: this aspect of the provision is not good enough

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of children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

How well does the provision promote inclusive practice? 2 The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement.

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Foundation Stage led and managed?

How effective is the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement? How well does the setting work in partnership with parents and others? How well are children safeguarded? 2

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped to stay safe? 2 How well are children helped to be healthy? 2 How well are children helped to enjoy and achieve? 2 How well are children helped to make a positive contribution? How well are children helped develop skills that will contribute to their future economic well-being?

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

procedures set out in the guidance available from Ofsted’s website: www.ofsted.gov.uk This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register are: Met

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Met

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